'Honored and Humbled'
"The individualized help I've received from my advisor and from the many resources that are available have helped me flourish and focus on my studies without having to worry about the cost of attending my courses or buying the materials needed for my classes and my labs." – Meagan Rodriguez
Meagan Rodriguez is studying veterinary and animal science at HCC. She was awarded two scholarship for 2022-2023 from the HCC Foundation, the Patrick J. and Margaret V. Sheehan Memorial Scholarship and the Teddy Bear Pools Scholarship. She delivered the following remarks at the HCC Foundation's Nov. 9 scholarship reception.
"I'm honored and humbled to have been a scholarship recipient this year. My time at HCC has been nothing short of transformative. I'm so grateful to have been able to competently navigate academia with the support of my fellow classmates, the phenomenal HCC staff, and the incredible support of the generous donors who see the value of investing in education for others.
I've dreamed of working in veterinary medicine for a decade, and being at HCC has allowed me to pursue my passion confidently and courageously. The individualized help I've received from my advisor and from the many resources that are available have helped me flourish and focus on my studies without having to worry about the cost of attending my courses or buying the materials needed for my classes and my labs.
Returning to school in the middle of a global pandemic was daunting, to say the least, as well as moving out on my own. There were a lot of challenges all at once. But HCC has a phenomenal network of support systems for students to help us navigate our courses and careers and pursue further education moving forward.
I have made amazing connections while at HCC, and I know I will continue to meet more enthusiastic and inspiring people, day in and day out. Without HCC, I would not be as knowledgeable or as progressed in my field. And I am so incredibly thankful for all of the friends, coworkers, mentors, and teachers I've had the opportunity to learn with and from, and I'm so proud to be a student at HCC."
Above: President Christina Royal bumps fists with student speaker Meagan Rodriguez at a Nov. 9 scholarship reception.
